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Beetle Bailey supports the National Army Museum

Famed cartoonist Mort Walker, creator of the Beetle Bailey comic strip for over 60 years, has penned a special Beetle Bailey comic strip in support of the National Army Museum. In the strip, published internationally in over 1,800 newspapers last week, Beetle can be found in his favorite post – in bed – happy with the contribution he has made to the Museum – one of his well-worn pillows.

Walker, a long time supporter of the military, is extending that support to the National Museum of the United States Army. Scheduled to open in Fort Belvoir, Va., outside Washington, DC, in 2015, the museum will honor America’s Soldiers, preserve the history of America’s oldest military branch, and educate all Americans about the Army’s role in our nation’s development. The US Army is the only service branch without its own museum.

“This is the second time this year that Mort has worked a reference to the Museum into one of the daily strips,” said COL David R. Fabian (USA-Ret.), Communications Director, Army Historical Foundation. “Beetle Bailey is an icon. We’re delighted Mort is doing this for us and we welcome his support. His timeless work appeals to the generations of Soldiers whose stories will be told in the Museum.”

The Army commemorative silver coin mentioned in the comic strip is being produced and sold by the US Mint until the end of this year as part of the 2011 Army Commemorative Coin series. The series contains three types of coins– the $5 gold coin, silver, and copper clad. A portion of the purchase of these coins goes toward the National Army Museum. The coins are on sale through the US Mint through the end of 2011.

Walker, one of the longest-drawing cartoonists in history, served in the United States Army in Europe during World War II, and was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1947. In portraying the lighter side of military life for more than 60 years, Walker’s support of the military has earned him the praise of the highest ranking officials. He was given the Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service by the United States Army, the highest award the Secretary of the Army can present a civilian. During his distinguished career as a cartoonist, he has earned numerous awards including induction into the Museum of Cartoon Art Hall of Fame.

The Army Historical Foundation establishes, assists, and promotes programs and projects which preserve the history of the American Soldier and promote public understanding of and appreciation for the contributions by all components of the U.S. Army and its members. The Foundation serves as the Army’s official fundraising entity for the Capital Campaign for the National Museum of the United States Army. The Museum will be constructed at Fort Belvoir, Va., to honor the service and sacrifice of all American Soldiers who have served since the Army’s inception in 1775.

For more information on the Foundation, the National Museum of the United States Army and the Army Commemorative Coins, visit www.armyhistory.org.